It isn’t often the case that a third-party Xbox controller supports wireless connectivity.For what I can only presume is due to a hefty licensing fee to support the console’s connection protocol, many accessory makers opt to make their controllers wired-only, which is disappointing seeing as they’re the only ones creating controller units with Hall Effect and TMR-based joysticks. Now because of this, what caught my eye to this controller hear, the QRD FERROX M5, isn’t just the rather large number of features available to it for the low price of 60 American dollary-doos-no, no, it’s the fact that it’s got all that and the controller supports wireless connectivity not just for Xbox and windows-based PCs but the Nintendo Switch as well!
Amazon.com Link | QRD Website Link
Could it really be too good to be true? Quite the opposite: sans a few caveats to build quality and software, this is a great controller considering how closely it mimics the Xbox Elite units.
The QRD FERROX M5 comes in a simple box with the bare necessities:
- The controller itself along with a USB receiver
- A USB-A to USB-C cable
- A manual
Now the M5 actually supports Android devices as well,over both wired and the 2.4GHz receiver, but I couldn’t get it to work on my tablet over the same adapter that I used to connect the QRD via wire. And because the unit has no Bluetooth support on-board and purely relies on the receiver for a connection, that means there’s no alternative way to wirelessly connect to your devices. This also applies to the Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles, where the USB receiver is required. PCs can work both ways and I even got the M5 to work on my Bazzite-based ROG Ally when docked.
The unit its
QRD Ferrox M5 Wireless controller for Xbox, Switch, Windows PC – Review
The QRD Ferrox M5 is a versatile wireless controller aiming to be your one-stop solution for gaming across Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC. Priced at $69.99, it enters a competitive market, promising a premium feel and feature set without the premium price tag. Let’s dive into whether it delivers on that promise.
Build Quality and Design
Out of the box, the Ferrox M5 immediatly impresses with its build quality. it feels substantial in hand, with a matte finish that provides a good grip. The button layout is familiar and comfortable,closely mirroring the standard Xbox controller design. The triggers and bumpers have a satisfying click, and the analog sticks offer smooth, precise movement. While it doesn’t quite match the refined feel of an official Xbox controller, it’s a important step up from many other third-party options.
The controller comes in a sleek black colorway, with subtle blue accents around the analog sticks and buttons.It’s a clean and understated design that will appeal to a wide range of gamers.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Ferrox M5 offers multiple connectivity options: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and a wired USB-C connection.The 2.4GHz connection is established via a included USB dongle, providing a stable and low-latency connection for Xbox and PC gaming. Bluetooth connectivity works seamlessly with the Nintendo switch and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Compatibility is a strong suit for the Ferrox M5.It works flawlessly with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10/11. Setting up the controller on each platform is straightforward, and I experienced no issues with driver installation or pairing.
Features and Performance
The Ferrox M5 boasts a range of features designed to enhance your gaming experience. These include:
* Adjustable Vibration: Offers customizable vibration intensity for immersive feedback.
* Motion Controls: Compatible with Nintendo Switch games that support motion controls.
* Turbo Function: Allows for rapid button presses with adjustable speeds.
* Programmable Buttons: The M5 allows you to remap buttons to your liking.
* Headphone Jack: A 3.5mm headphone jack provides convenient audio connectivity.
In terms of performance, the Ferrox M5 delivers a solid experience. The buttons are responsive, the analog sticks are accurate, and the D-pad is surprisingly good for fighting games. The 2.4GHz connection provides a lag-free experience, while Bluetooth connectivity is stable enough for casual gaming. Battery life is also impressive, offering around 20 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
The Downsides
While the Ferrox M5 excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. the plastic used in the controller,while durable,doesn’t feel as premium as the materials used in official controllers. The programmable button feature,while present,is a bit clunky to use and lacks a dedicated software suite for customization.the included USB-C cable is a bit short, which can be inconvenient for some setups.
Final Verdict
The QRD Ferrox M5 is an excellent all-around wireless controller that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Its wide compatibility, comfortable design, and solid build quality make it a great choice for gamers who want a single controller for multiple platforms.While it doesn’t quite reach the level of an official Xbox or PlayStation controller, it comes remarkably close, especially considering its price point. If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable wireless controller, the Ferrox M5 is definately worth considering.
Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
* Excellent build quality for the price
* Wide compatibility with Xbox, Switch, and PC
* Multiple connectivity options (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C)
* Comfortable and ergonomic design
* Long battery life
Cons:
* Plastic feels less premium than official controllers
* Programmable button feature is clunky
* Short USB-C
Speaking of button combinations, the FERROX M5 comes with a lot of features. The back paddles are specifically designed for macros, which you can set at any time thru the controller itself. The triggers have adjustable stop levels, which really surprised me considering the price point and the fact that the triggers are also Hall Effect-based. Not only that, there’s a Turbo button, which came in super handy during some obnoxiously long cutscenes in Genshin Impact.When I inevitably trudge through Fontaine,I’m going to do it using this controller.Now, compared to other controllers on the market, the lack of user-amiable software is a bit disappointing. Most controller makers offer an app for users to adjust deadzones and macros without having to push button combinations.And while it’s not the end of the world, I hope to see QRD develop a more universal customization and update software for the M5.
While I primarily used the FERROX on my Xbox and PC, I did use it a few times with my Android tablet to get through my dailies in ‘Zenless Zone Zero’, ‘Wuthering Waves’, and the like. There were absolutely no issues with controller detection, and the unit worked just as well wired to my tablet as it did over a wireless connection on my consoles and PC. Would I use this controller as my go-to Android choice? It would really depend. Even though the M5 does support wireless connectivity on paper, I couldn’t get it to work with the only adapter I had on hand. I think this would work great for any Android TV kits, but it might be a bulky purchase for on-the-go gaming compared to other controllers on the market.